In July 2023, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia installed an additional 20kW of solar power on the rooftop of its administration building. These panels are now helping power its facilities with clean, green energy. The Club gratefully received funding from the NSW Community Building Partnerships grants program to make this possible.

The extension of the solar panels on the roof of the Club is part of the ‘Solar My Suburb’ initiative, a free Council program to help community organisations in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs navigate a path to solar success.

“The decision to install solar has been a really beneficial one at The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Darling Point,” said Matt van Kretschmar.

“Our sprawling facility includes a marina, clubhouse, work sheds, offices, on-site amenities, two car parks and an events and function space, and as you can imagine, all of these areas have their own power needs.”

Annually, it’s estimated the solar electricity system  installed at the Club will save 4% on the facility’s energy bill; the solar panels producing enough power equal to running four homes. The Club will reduce carbon emissions by 22 tonnes annually as a result of solar and save carbon equivalent to taking eight fossil fuel consuming cars off the road.

“While businesses with high electricity usage should definitely look to implement solar to make significant savings, I would also encourage any smaller business to consider registering their interest in solar with Council.

“Organisations are facing record volatility in the energy market, so now is the perfect time to learn about how renewable energy can reduce your electricity price risk and help your organisation  become leaner and greener,” said Matt.  

Already many community organisations including bowling clubs, synagogues and Surf Life Saving Clubs in the Eastern Suburbs have installed solar as part of the program, with many more on their way.

Learn more on our website. Or at Solarmysuburb.org.au